We drove to the West Coast of the South Island today (also called the Wet Coast, because of its high rainfall). The only route from Wanaka is via the Haast Pass. This road runs through Mount Aspiring National Park. At 562 meters (1,843 feet) it is the lowest pass that Read more
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! We can tell you that it is a great day – as ours is ending even as it is just beginning in the US. We have had a restful Sunday, with a walk to church this morning and a brief visit to an Artisans Market on Read more
Today we hiked from John’s Creek, along the Lake Hawea shoreline to the town of Hawea, and back. Jim’s phone clocked us at around 7 miles. It was so peaceful and for the most part we had the track to ourselves – just a few bicycles and one or two Read more
Our house creaks every time we draw a breath. Jim did some research to learn that this is a Lockwood house, built as a sort of kitset, from tongue and groove lumber. Thousands of joints – all just pressure fit wood. It probably does great in earthquakes – lots of Read more
It was very cold this morning with a howling wind. Our bach (NZ for holiday home, pronounced batch) was very creaky through the windy and rainy night. We put on all the layers that we brought and, after managing our foreign correspondence, we headed west. Our goal was to do Read more
Today we travelled south. The weather was frightful. We are hoping that the farmers are getting the rain they desperately need. And, having driven past the angry seas on our way to Wellington, we are grateful that we did not take the ferry. Frances, in particular, is not a good Read more
About time for another post! We imagine you saying! So here it is. A pretty busy week, two days of focus groups and a presentation of last week’s research. Jim is sick of what he calls, “the moderator voice”. All put to bed for the next couple of weeks. If Read more
We are really enjoying our time at Waikanae Beach. Some work, some café visits, many long blacks and scones, and of course many walks. Pleasant days don’t always generate lots of photos, but we offer you this sunset on the beach.
We’re really enjoying our beach, which makes for not too exciting posts. Feel the sunshine and the ocean breeze – close your eyes, you can feel it! Our big outing today was to the Warehouse Stationery, which is where I have been getting my printing done, since the vacation homes Read more
A perfectly glorious day. But first we need to recap on some of the wildlife from yesterday. Our internet situation was definitely subpar, so yesterday’s post was a challenge. This morning, we watched the dawn break over Lake Taupo. There was a small matter of what to eat for breakfast Read more